Winter Holiday Fireside Moments: An Interview with Kate Kingsbury

It’s that time of year when the chill in the frosty air brings us indoors to hunker down with thick comforters and mugs of steaming hot chocolate overflowing with fluffy marshmallows. When holiday music and movies become the soundtrack to our everyday home lives. When we gather ‘round the fire for company, drink, food and love. When we are celebrating and remembering those we treasure and hold near and dear. When the real meaning of the season is family – by our DNA or by our heart. When we reflect and give thanks for all we have. In a nutshell, unconditional love.

I’d like to welcome Doreen Hight who writes under the pseudonyms of Kate Kingsbury, Doreen Roberts, Rebecca Kent, and Allison Kingsley to share the beauty of the season with us.

Favorite Holiday tradition?

Pulling English Christmas crackers at the dinner table.

Favorite childhood toy?

A giant stuffed panda.

Favorite childhood game?

Make believe… we didn’t have TV’s, video games, Smart phones, etc… we had to make up our own games.

Snow ball fight or making snow families?

Snowmen. I hate being hit in the face with hard-packed snow.

Sleigh rides, sledding or skiing?

Sledding

Favorite holiday song?

“I’ll be Home for Christmas.”

Favorite holiday movie?

The Holiday

Favorite holiday story to read?

A mom for Christmas

Snow on holiday eve, day, or just a chill in the air?

Snow. It’s rare in Oregon and even more rare at Christmas so it’s special when we do get it for the Holiday.

Most memorable holiday memory?

Spending Christmas Eve in a bomb shelter in London during WW II, listening to bombs falling and worrying that Father Christmas wouldn’t find us or get to us safely.

Did you eat popcorn balls as a kid? If you did, do you still?

No… we didn’t have popcorn in England then.

Real tree or artificial? Green or white?

Artificial… green… and it looks very real!

What do you holiday eve?

Go to an expensive restaurant for dinner with my husband and son.

What are your holiday plans this year?

Spend them quietly at home.

What’s the one holiday dish your family can’t go without?

Trifle

Please share a Holiday recipe.

BRANDY BALLS or RUM BALLS

1 12oz box Vanilla Wafers, ground fine

1 cup filberts or walnuts, ground fine

1 cup powdered sugar

3 TBS. light corn syrup

½ Cup Brandy

Blend all ingredients well. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on cookie sheet. Dust with powdered sugar and leave two hours to dry. Store in airtight container.

Don’t invite too many guests. Small, intimate parties are almost always more relaxing and fun – both for the hostess and the guests.

Favorite holiday decoration?

The first Christmas tree ornament my husband and I bought together.

Please share some magical holiday memories?

It was the first Christmas after the war. My father took my sister and me to St. Paul’s cathedral on Christmas Eve and all over London the church bells were ringing for the first time in seven years. I’ll never forget that cold crisp night and the sound of those bells.

Wrap, gift bag or bow & go?

Definitely wrap. No matter how inexpensive the gift, it always seems special if it’s been personally wrapped by the giver.

Gifts or gift cards?

Gifts… it’s the thought that goes into it that counts.

Cyber shop or head out into the trenches?

Cyber shop… I don’t like crowds

Do you eat fruitcake?

Not if I can help it.

Do you head to the movies on the 25th?

No… we watch all our movies on TV

What’s in your stocking? *wink*

Hmmm..

What do you want in your stocking? *saucy wink aka swink*

Something I’m much too old for…

Do you head out on the 26th into the madness to exchange or shop for anything?